Post-TB care in the UK: a national survey of existing practice
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Authors
O'Reilly, Ailva
Martin, Christopher Andrew
Cox, Sharon Elizabeth
Haldar, Pranabashis
Zenner, Dominik
Pareek, Manish
Meghji, Jamilah
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Issue Date
2026
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Article
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Abstract
BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) survivors experience high mortality and long-term morbidity, contributing substantially to the global TB burden. In the UK, where TB incidence is rising, the scale of post-TB health needs is unknown and current guidelines do not recommend follow-up. We conducted the first nationwide survey of UK TB services to assess approaches to post-TB care. METHODS: We conducted a digital survey between February and May 2025 across National Health Service TB services in all four nations, targeting specialist clinicians. The questionnaire captured data on types of post-TB morbidity encountered and current practice. We analysed descriptively and stratified by caseload. RESULTS: We received responses from 113 of 135 TB services (84%). Most respondents were lead clinicians (81%), and nearly all (96%) had encountered post-TB morbidity in their patient populations, including lung disease (82%), social vulnerabilities (79%), and financial issues (66%). High caseload services (=30 cases/year) reported more types of morbidity (mean 4.2 vs 2.9; p95%), fewer than half of services perform assessments for broader post-TB sequelae and comorbidities, or provide direct ongoing medical care (41%). Most services cited staffing (78%), clinic capacity (70%) and funding (59%) as challenges to post-TB care. CONCLUSIONS: A high proportion of UK TB clinicians recognise post-TB morbidity among their patient groups. TB services are introducing elements of post-TB care, but provision is heterogenous and often informal, with multiple resource-related challenges. Robust UK-specific data, stakeholder engagement and clear guidance are needed to support post-TB care pathways.
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Journal
BMJ open respiratory research
Volume
13
Issue
1